Role of mucous cell and p53 protein in gastroprotective activity of methanolic extracts of Ageratum conyzoides Linn in rats
July 2019
Ageratum conyzoides Linn is a medicinal plant used for diverse ethnomedicinal applications including anti-ulcer treatment. Usually, protection of gastric mucosa from injury or ulceration is dependent on the efficacy of intrinsic or induced protective factors against erosive effects of aggressive factors. In this study, our aim was to ascertain the gastroprotective activity of methanolic leaf extracts of A. conyzoides L....
Review of microfluidics approaches to mimic the kidney
July 2019
The use of microfluidics and nanotechnology in bioscience is gaining favor among the next generation of bioscience and clinical researchers, and this field has expanded to include organ-specific applications and modeling. While certain organ-specific microfluidic chips/applications, such as those in the heart and liver, are ubiquitous in the peer-reviewed literature, the kidneys require more focus and attention to drive...
Enhancement of phytoremediation efficiency of Acacia mangium using earthworms in metal-contaminated soil in Bonoua, Ivory Coast
July 2019
In this paper, the impact of Pontoscolex corethrurus on Acacia mangium growth and its phytoremediation efficiency in metal-contaminated soils were studied in a greenhouse pot culture under four treatments: non contaminated soil-non inoculated, control (C); non contaminated soil-inoculated (NcI); contaminated soil-non inoculated (CNi); contaminated soil-inoculated (CI). The results showed that A. mangium growth...
Morphological and molecular screening of rice accessions for salt tolerance
July 2019
The ever-increasing demand for rice raises the need to increase productivity by using salt tolerant varieties on saline soils. In this study, 12 rice accessions were screened for tolerance to salt at seedling stage using morphological and molecular methods. The study was carried out in a hydroponic system using Hoagland solution. Scoring was done using the modified standard evaluation score (SES) system after 14 days of...
Effective method to control Vibrio mimicus infection in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus
July 2019
Recently, a skin ulcerative disease caused by Vibrio mimicus has led to heavy economic losses in catfish, including yellow catfish, southern catfish, and Zhengchuan catfish in China. Currently, there was no effective method of controlling the outbreak of this disease. In this study, the bacterial isolates were obtained from dying channel catfish and identified as V. mimicus, which consist of formalin-inactivated V....
Genetic diversity in some Ghanaian and Malian sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] accessions using SSR markers
July 2019
The study was carried out to assess genetic diversity among forty-one sorghum accessions obtained from Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), Nyankpala, Northern Region of Ghana and the germplasm collection of Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Cape Coast. Genetic diversity and relationship among the forty-one accessions were evaluated using 22 microsatellite primers. The 22...
Molecular characterization of some bacteria isolated from munitions contaminated sites in Kachia Military Firing Range, Kaduna State, Nigeria
July 2019
Environmental pollution is principally caused by human activities that usually result in the release of man–made pollutants such as biological, chemical and radioactive in such states as solid, liquid and gaseous substances into the biosphere via, land, water and air. Globally, the increasing rate of environmental contamination by ammunition/explosives resulting from their increasing deployments in the rising...
Microencapsulation of Aspergillus niger phytases produced in triticale by solid fermentation and microencapsulates characterization
June 2019
This paper aimed to carry out the stabilization of phytase produced in solid-state fermentation by means of Aspergillus níger 7A-1 in triticale as substrate. The crude extract obtained in liquid state was stabilized with glycerol and maltose. These materials presented a synergic effect that improve phytase stability around 80% with ki of 0.031 and a shelf-time of 156 days (22.35 weeks) with glycerol 30% and...
A comparative assessment of the performance of a stay-green sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) introgression line developed by marker-assisted selection and its parental lines
June 2019
A glasshouse experiment was conducted to compare the performance of a stay-green QTL introgression line (RSG 03123) and its parental lines (B35, a stay-green and R16, a high yielding cultivar with rapid senescence) after flowering, when water-limited (WL) or well-watered (WW). Flowering time and plant height were similar in RSG 03123 and the recurrent parent, R16. Under WW conditions, retention of green leaf area (GLA)...
Efficient low cost seesap (CSUP) technique for micropropagation of newly introduced sweetener plant, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
June 2019
Stevia rebaudiana is a non-caloric sweetening herb, which has a high potential for commercialization. During this study low cost media sterilization, seesap (CSUP) technique which applies sodium hypochlorite was used as an alternative to autoclaving. In vitro cultures were established using nodal segments collected from stevia mother plants. These in vitro shoots were cultured on Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium...
Explant type and hormone regime influences somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of cassava
June 2019
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a tropical root crop that serves as a food staple and a vital income source to resource deprived farmers in the tropics. Despite its importance, cassava production and consumption is faced by a myriad of biotic/abiotic constraints. Genetic transformation which can be applied to mitigate these challenges however has as a prerequisite the availability of robust regeneration systems....
Notice of Retraction: Sodium metabisulfite-induced polymerization of sickle cell hemoglobin incubated in the extracts of three medicinal plants (Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava, and Terminalia catappa)
June 2019
The editors of the African Journal of Biotechnology (AJB) are retracting the article, “Sodium metabisulfite-induced polymerization of sickle cell hemoglobin incubated in the extracts of three medicinal plants (Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava, and Terminalia catappa)” published in 2011 (Vol. 10(32), pp. 6154-6161, 4 July). This is based on Dr. Paul C. Chikezie’s...
Characterisation of volatile compounds and flavour attributes of Lablab purpureus bean accessions
June 2019
The Lablab bean (Lablab purpureus) has potential of being an outstanding resource for human food and animal feed in tropical agricultural systems. The bean is however grossly underutilized due to anti-nutritional factors, which may affect its nutritive value and organoleptic properties. In this study, twenty-four (24) lablab bean accessions were assayed for sensory flavor characteristics and volatile compounds to...
Physicochemical properties of rhodanese from the kidney of cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)
June 2019
We report the properties of partially purified rhodanese, a cyanide detoxifying enzyme isolated from the kidney of the greater cane rat commonly known as grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus). T. swinderianus kidney rhodanese had a specific activity of 1.43 µmole/min/mg protein, a fold of 2.31 and a 55% recovery. The apparent Km values of 0.408 and 0.316 mM were obtained for both sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3) and...
Nano Selenium: Reduction of severe hazards of Atrazine and promotion of changes in growth and gene expression patterns on Vicia faba seedlings
June 2019
Atrazine is a widely used herbicide on many crops and is considered one of water pollutant with approved biological hazards on plants, animals and human. Vicia faba seedlings as a biological system, is used to investigate the genotoxicity of Atrazine. Also, Nano selenium (N-Se), a Nano particle with reactive oxygen species scavenging activity was applied to reduce the genotoxicity of Atrazine. Atrazine treatment at...
Bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soils by lipopeptide producing Bacillus subtilis SE1
June 2019
Hydrocarbons released into ecosystems have led to environmental pollution and generated a serious threat to human health. Bioremediation is an effective method to break down hazardous hydrophobic environmental contaminants with avoiding economic and technical disadvantages. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Bacillus subtilis SE1, a lipopeptide biosurfactant producer isolated from a petrochemical...
Capacity building for genetically modified organism (GMO) detection in West Africa: Identifying a circulating GMO maize variety in Mali
May 2019
DNA-based methodology employing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has been successfully used to examine the incidence of genetically modified (GM) maize in Mali. This study aims to ascertain whether screening elements could also be used to detect GM maize. Fourteen maize varieties and one unknown dark color seeded variety from Mali were tested. DNA was extracted from three seeds of each variety. Three...
Enhancing 15N-uptake in maize (Zea mays L.) by native Trichoderma spp. strains in Central Mexico
May 2019
A study was undertaken to evaluate the role of Trichoderma strains on 15N-uptake by maize under greenhouse and field conditions. The Trichoderma strains were isolated from different maize production systems in Guanajuato State, Central Mexico. A total of 39 Trichoderma isolates were obtained, 23 correspond to Trichoderma harzianum (Intra-Genic-Segment). Some colonized the endorhizosphere of maize better than others;...
Effect of 6-benzylaminopurine and α-naphthalene acetic acid hormonal supplements on the in vitro seed germination and seedling development of orchid Otochilus albus Lindl
May 2019
Otochilus albus Lindl is one of the important orchids especially used for the horticultural purpose and commercial use. It is listed as a rare and critically endangered species in Nepal. An attempt to preserve the important orchids was done by establishing an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol using seed. This study was carried out by using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and the MS medium supplemented with growth...
Chemical study of Peganum harmala seeds
May 2019
Peganum harmala belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae and is popularly known as "Arruda of Syria". It presents a broad therapeutic potential, highlighting the anti inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic, antiseptic and antibacterial activities. It is used in the preparation of religious rituals beverages with effects on the central nervous system as an inhibitor of the enzyme monoaminoxidase, whose action is due...
Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for intermittent drought tolerance in BRB 191 × SEQ 1027 Andean Intra-gene cross recombinant inbred line population of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).
May 2019
Drought is a major constraint of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in Uganda where irrigation for the crop is very uncommon. This study aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying drought tolerance in 128 F5 RILs derived from an Andean intra-gene cross between drought-tolerant SEQ 1027 and BRB 191. Eighteen traits were evaluated under drought stress and non-stress conditions in the field for...
Alginate microporous beads promote higher ethanol productivity than the normal beads in a repeated-batch ethanolic process involving Saccharomyces cerevisiae LC 269108
May 2019
Mass transfers pose significant challenge in fermentation due to wide diffusion gradient existing between the culture broth and the immobilized cells. In the present study, Saccharomyces cerevisiae LC 269108 was immobilized in a recently described microporous alginate beads. The new method was compared with the conventional calcium alginate gel beads in a repeated batch process for the production of ethanol. The...
Exploring the nutritional efficiency of genotypes of Coffea arabica L. from different parental lineages in contrasting environments for N availability
May 2019
The different responses of improved genotypes to alterations of the availability of nutrients indicate that it is possible to modulate the nutritional efficiency by exploring the interaction between the intrinsic response of a genotype and the level of nutrient supply. The objective of this research was to assess the response of genotypes of Coffea arabica L., from different parental lineages, to contrasting...
Dehairing of animal hides and skins by alkaline proteases of Aspergillus oryzae for efficient processing to leather products in Tanzania
May 2019
The leather industry is one among the most vital sectors for economic development contributing to high earnings. However, tanning of hides and skins is constrained by primitive technology and the use of hazardous chemicals that contribute to environmental pollution. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of alkaline protease on dehairing animal hides and skins under different conditions. Alkaline protease was...
Establishment of a transformation protocol for Uganda’s yellow passion fruit using the GUS gene
May 2019
Horticulture is one of the fastest growing sectors in Uganda, exporting products worth US$100 million annually. Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) growing and export is one of the critical contributors to this sector employing over a million farmers. However, a number of biotic and abiotic constraints have initiated widespread enterprise abandonment by farmers. Passiflora improvement efforts by conventional breeding has...
Antibacterial saponins from the leaves of Polyscias fulva (Araliaceae)
May 2019
Saponins are a major family of secondary metabolites that occur in a wide range of plant species. Bioassay - guided fractionation of extract of the leaves of Polyscias fulva led to the isolation of three known saponins named, 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin (1), 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl]-hederagenin (2) and...
Uterotonic effect of aqueous extract of Launaea taraxacifolia Willd on rat isolated uterine horns
May 2019
Launaea taraxacifolia is used by the traditional health practitioners in Sokoto to ease labour pains and augment labour thereby facilitating child birth. This study examined the effect of the aqueous extract of the whole plant on isolated uterus from non-pregnant rats pre-treated with stilbestrol and from pregnant rats in late gestation. This was compared to the effects of uterine contraction agonists, namely; oxytocin,...
Chemical composition of Cyperus esculentus nut and Phoenix dactylifera fruit
May 2019
This study investigated the chemical composition of Cyperus esculentus nut and Phoenix dactylifera fruit. The nuts and fruits were purchased as commonly sold in Wukari, Nigeria. They were cleaned, sorted for healthy parts, sun-dried and milled into fine powder. The AOAC, AAS and GC-MS methods were adopted for the proximate, mineral and phytochemical analysis, respectively. The results show that C. esculentus nut is...
Transferability of microsatellite loci from Croton floribundus Spreng. to Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae)
May 2019
Croton urucurana, known as “sangra-d’água”, is a tree species with timber and beekeeping potential, and also with medicinal potential. The use of microsatellite markers, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) is efficient in population genetic studies, with high transferability rate between correlated species. The present study aimed to optimize the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol and to test...
Physicochemical, spectroscopic and tableting properties of microcrystalline cellulose obtained from the African breadfruit seed hulls
May 2019
This study evaluates the physicochemical, tableting and spectroscopic properties of microcrystalline cellulose obtained from the African breadfruit seed hulls. The seed hulls were dried, pulverized, sieved and digested with 2% w/v aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The resultant pulp was further treated with 17.5% w/v NaOH solution and 2.5N hydrochloric acid to produce α-cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose...
Cellulase production and molecular identification of Xanthobacter flavus (IM32-90) isolated under eucalyptus plantation in the cerrado of Minas Gerais
April 2019
Lignocellulosic biomass has become a major ally for production of biofuels as a clean and renewable energy source. The manufacturing of cellulolytic enzymes capable of hydrolyzing lignocellulose and producing fermentable sugars has been, and still is a great challenge. There is a wide variety of microorganisms, both bacteria and fungi, capable of producing cellulolytic enzymes. These microorganisms can be grown by solid...
Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates by hydrocarbonaclastic bacteria
April 2019
Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by bacteria isolated from spent engine oil (SEO) contaminated soils was investigated using nitrogen limitation in the production medium. Out of ten isolates, three were selected as the best based on their ability to metabolize SEO effectively and fluoresce orange when stained with Nile Blue A dye. Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophometer was used as a confirmatory test for PHA...
Early selection in Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. progenies in Savanna, Brazil
April 2019
Genetic parameters were assessed and correlated to evaluate the feasibility of early selection for diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (TH) in a half-sib progenies test of Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The test is established in the Santo Antônio do Leverger municipality, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, with 132 progenies, five blocks and three plants per plot at 3 x 2 m spacing. REML/BLUP procedure was...
In silico prediction and segregation analysis of putative virus defense genes based on SSR markers in sweet potato F1 progenies of cultivars ‘New Kawogo’ and ‘Resisto’
April 2019
In sweet potato, an anti-virus defense mechanism termed reversion has been postulated to lead to virus freedom from once infected plants. The objectives of this study were to identify anti-virus defense genes and evaluate their segregation in progenies. Reference genes from different plant species were used to assemble transcript sequences of each sweet potato defense gene in silico. Sequences were used for evaluate...
Isolation and characterization of a lytic bacteriophage (VB_PAnP_PADP4) against MDR- Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from septic wound infections
April 2019
Resistance to multiple drugs by pathogens has become the sweltering problem for the treatment of bacterial infections. To overcome this problem of drug resistance, several diversified bacteriophages can be used as one of the alternatives and attractive approaches. The present study aimed to detect, isolate and partially characterize the bacteriophage used against MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wound...
Genetic diversity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces from South Western Kenya for resistance to Pythium root rot disease
April 2019
Common bean landraces represent an important source of genetic resources, which is under-exploited by Kenyan crop breeding programs. The objective of this study was to characterize 51 common bean landraces from South Western Kenya for resistance to Pythium root rot using 5 peroxidase gene (POX) markers. Following infection with Pythium spp., 11.77, 54.90 and 33.33% of the landraces were moderate-resistant, susceptible...
Complete genomic sequence and recombination analysis of wheat yellow mosaic virus isolate from Zhouzhi in China
April 2019
Wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) is the causal agent of wheat yellow mosaic disease in China. WYMV was detected in wheat sample collected from Zhouzhi of Shanxi province. The nearly complete genomic sequence of Zhouzhi isolate (WYMV-ZZ) was determined; it was compared with six complete sequences of WYMV isolates (five Chinese isolates and one Japanese isolate). WYMV-ZZ and the other six different WYMV isolates shared...
Copper (II) ions adsorption by untreated and chemically modified Tectona grandis (Teak bark): Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies
April 2019
In this study, untreated Tectona grandis (UTG) and citric acid- modified T. grandis (CAMTG) bark powder were used for the adsorption of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solution. The UTG and CAMTG were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption characteristics were carried out by determining the solution pH, initial concentration of Cu (II) ions, effect of time...
Genetic diversity among Fusarium species associated with sorghum stalk rot in Southern Ethiopia
April 2019
Fusaria are very diverse and destructive pathogens affecting different crops. However, their identity and diversity are unresolved in countries like Ethiopia, where various crop species are grown under differing environmental conditions. The objectives of this paper were to identify Fusarium spp. associated with sorghum stalk rot in Southern Ethiopia, and elucidate the genetic diversity within and between the species....
Isolation of five type IIG restriction modification (RM) enzyme genes with different DNA recognition sites from a single environmental DNA sample
March 2019
A new method of screening type IIG restriction modification (RM) enzyme has been developed using REBASE, a database of all known and putative restriction enzymes and methyltransferases found throughout the bacterial genome sequences available in GENBANK. The in silico analysis of a group of putative type IIG RM enzymes in Microcystis aeruginosa showed a high sequence homology at both ends. This peculiarity allows for...
Ultra high dilutions: A review on in vitro studies against pathogens
March 2019
Multiple in vitro studies using homeopathic medicines are conducted for their effectiveness against various microbes. The reporting of results and the methodology in many studies are a query. The present review reveals the evidence based medicinal effects of homeopathic medicines on various plant and human pathogens in vitro with the help of quality studies. The studies showed positive outcome for homeopathic medicines....
Study of oxygen transfer processes improvement for domestic wastewaters treatment
March 2019
In aerated processes, the oxygen transfer was limited by the presence of the suspended matter as colloid and the dissolved matter, which might decrease the biological degradation effectiveness. In this publication, three series of tests were conducted to study possibilities to reduce these matters: bacterial adaptation which was conducted in a biological aerated filter, adsorption/biosorption conducted on a biological...
Phytochemical analysis and antinociceptive activity of bitter ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) cultivated in Manaus/Amazonas
March 2019
The present work concerns the analgesic effects of zerumbona, obtained from Zingiber zerumbet L. Smith cultivated in Manaus/Amazonas. The compound has been studied for decades because it has potent cytotoxic activity against liver and prostate tumor cells, colon, and breast. The plant is rich in sesquiterpenes, glycosylated flavonoids that present important pharmacological activities; standing out cytotoxic activity...
Polymorphisms in IL-10 (-1082) and IFN-ð›¾, (+874) cytokine genes associated with resistance or susceptibility to Schistosoma haematobium infection in primary school children of Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe
March 2019
The promoter region of human interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene is highly polymorphic while the first intronic region of interferon gamma (IFN-ï§) gene is also highly polymorphic. These polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility or resistance to Schistosoma haematobium infection. Schistosomiasis is known to be a highly inflammatory disease that requires the delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The...
Simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker-based DNA fingerprinting of some varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) released in Nigeria
March 2019
Over time, precise, specific and rapid identification of variety have been achieved via fingerprinting with molecular markers. In this research, 13 out of 45 screened simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were employed to fingerprint 27 rice varieties (22 are commercially released while five are suspected duplicates from the hands of marketers with different names) in Nigeria. The SSR primer pairs (13) were polymorphic...
Genetic diversity using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers in Tinospora cordifolia from the Rayalseema region in Andhra Pradesh
March 2019
Tinospora cordifolia is a highly important medicinal plant in India, with a rich source of different secondary metabolites. In the present study, 12 samples of T. cordifolia (collected from different areas of Rayalseema region,Andhra Pradesh) were studied for genetic diversity using 15 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and eight inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. Out of them, 10 RAPD and 5 ISSR primers...
Physicochemical and microbiological stability of muffins packed in actives edible coatings from cassava starch: Inverted sugar/sucrose and natural additives
March 2019
The aim of this study was to develop edible coatings containing natural additives incorporated to the matrix of cassava starch, for use in muffins, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of its use in the increase of shelf life and maintenance of the products characteristics. Seventeen film forming formulations were developed following a central composite experimental design (CCD). The influence of independent variables...
Genetic diversity of antibiotic and plant extract resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from hospitalized patients in Ekiti State, Nigeria
March 2019
This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of antibiotics and plants extract resistant Staphylococcus aureus using molecular technique. A total of 106 human clinical samples were collected from patients in three different hospitals within Ekiti State. Microbiological and molecular analyses were performed using standard methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility test with common antibiotics and plant leaves extracts...
Improvement of nutritional, sanitary and organoleptic qualities of liquid zoom-koom and instant flour zoom-koom using Lactobacillus fermentum starter culture
February 2019
Traditional fermented beverages occupy an important place in the diet of populations in Burkina Faso. Zoom-koom in particular remains one of the most consumed cereal-based drinks in cities like Ouagadougou. The drink zoom-koom is consumed primarily in the liquid form and to short scale in the reconstituted form called instant flour zoom-koom. Being able to diversify zoom-koom taste and aroma and to improve the...
Stem bark of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloïdes a possible substitute of root bark for the conservation of the species in Burkina Faso
February 2019
Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloïdes (Lam.) is used for some health purposes in Burkina Faso. However, human action threatened this species in its native environment and its regeneration is difficult by the way of population. The main focus of this study is to discriminate samples of zanthoxyloïdes from different plant populations in order to find good specimens for traditional medicine and thus contribute to the...
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